New Car/Review

Ford Mustang GT Convertible (2000)

by Carey Russ

Summer's finally here and what better way to celebrate than
to get into a Mustang GT convertible? I was expecting to get a V6
with an automatic, and was pleasantly surprised to find a V8 GT 5-
speed in my driveway - in "Performance Red, " a model-year 2000
featured color.

The Mustang had significant stylistic updates last year, and
so is little changed for 2000. But that's no problem. Ford has done
a great job keeping the Mustang up to date, and balancing
performance with practicality and value. Although some of its
competitors are on the endangered species list, Ford's little pony
car is healthy, and, in most ways, better than ever. It is offered in
coupe and convertible body styles in three levels of performance -
with a 3.8-liter V6, the 4.6-liter single overhead cam V8 GT, and
the limited-production 4.6-liter twincam V8 Cobra. If they were
chili peppers, they'd be Anaheim, jalapeno, and habanero. As it has
been since the days of the 5.0 in the 1980s and early 1990s, the
Mustang GT is a good combination of style, fun, and performance.

No wonder that few American cars in recent times have made the
impression that the Mustang has in the 36 years since its
introduction.

APPEARANCE: After its "New Edge" freshening last year, the
Mustang is unchanged outside for 2000. The added angularity does
wonders for the car's style, giving it much more definition than the
overly-rounded 1994 through 1998 styling. It pays homage to the
original 1964 Mustang's knife-edged, long-hood, short-deck style.
With its wedge profile, hood and side scoops, angular fender flares,
and not-quite-a-wing spoiler, the current Mustang has the look of
performance. The short front and rear overhangs and reasonable
front chin clearance make steep driveways Mustang-friendly, with
no ugly scrapes or spoiled spoilers.

COMFORT: No trendy yuppie pretensions inside of a Mustang.
Multi-tone interior design and wood trim are not to be found, even
on the option list. My test car had a straight black interior, to
complement its red exterior. Optional sport buckets with perforated
leather upholstery, and power operation of the driver's seat, add
comfort and style without pretense. The twin-cockpit instrument
panel, thick, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and well-placed shift
knob make a good driving environment. The Mustang is a 2+2 - the
rear seat is contoured for two medium-sized people only, and has
adequate room for short distances. The convertible top operates
simply - just set the parking brake, undo two latches above the
windshield, and press a button on the console. Reverse the process
to put it back up. With the top up, visibility is okay. There are the
usual convertible rear-quarter blind spots but visibility is helped by
a glass backlight. Top down, visibility is unlimited and the wind and
hat-friendliness factors are pleasant thanks to the well-raked
windshield. Just bring plenty of sunscreen! Unlike some more
expensive convertibles, the Mustang convertible has a functional
trunk. It's not as large as that of the coupe, but it is large enough
for its purpose.

SAFETY: Four-wheel antilock disc brakes with available all-speed
traction control are among the safety features of the 2000 Ford
Mustang GT.

ROADABILITY: The Mustang is hardly the last word in
sophisticated chassis design, but it works. It has a MacPherson strut
front suspension (a Ford invention in the distant past), and a solid
axle in the rear. But the rear axle is well-located, and sprung with
coil, not leaf springs. It's much, much better-behaved than the
previous-generation Mustang 5.0. My test car was equipped with
the optional 17-inch, Z-rated wheel and tire package, with fat,
sticky tires for maximum roadholding. The ride is very firm, but not
too jarring - hey, this is a MUSTANG, not a Crown Victoria, so it
goes with the territory. There is, unsurprisingly, some cowl shake in
the convertible, but it tracks straight and true. There is a 144-lb
weight penalty for the convertible, so total performance fans can
opt for the coupe. Sun worshipers with a liking for Ford power can
be perfectly happy in a Mustang convertible.

PERFORMANCE: The Mustang GT's 4.6-liter, 16-valve single
overhead cam V8 has been steadily developed since its introduction
in 1996, and now makes 260 horsepower and 302 lb-ft of torque.
Unlike the old 5.0-liter engine, the 4.6 develops its power at
relatively high engine speeds, so it doesn't have the 5.0's kick in the
backside off the line. The power peak is at 5250 rpm; the torque
peak is at 4000. There's good power to 4000 rpm, and then it hits
its sweet spot. The ever-present V8 rumble turns to a raucous race-
car howl and the pony really gallops. The Mach 460 audio system is
nice, but the Mustang GT's real stereo sound comes out of the twin
exhausts at the rear. The clutch and steering have relatively heavy
action, befitting a fast, powerful car. The five-speed manual
gearbox has good ratios for the car's power, and shifts smoothly
once it is warmed up.

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